Shamar Joseph had a dream Test match on home soil with a five-wicket haul, his bowling completely destroyed South Africa’s batting lineup. 17 wickets were lost on the opening day of the second and final Test on Thursday. Joseph’s took five wickets by giving away just 33 runs to bowl out Proteas for 160 after they opted to bat first. Seamer Wiaan Mulder also came into the limelight after bagging four wickets for 18 as the West Indies team were restricted to 97 for seven as a reply.
Aside from the rain-impacted drawn first Test in Trinidad the previous week, Joseph regained the form and energy he showed during his debut series in Australia in January.
Shamar Joseph dismissed opener Aiden Markram immediately after Jayden Seales offered consistent pace and support.
“It’s a great feeling to have done this at home,” said 24-year-old Joseph in reflecting on his third five-wicket Test innings haul.”I haven’t really played much here at Providence but I always go in with a clear plan to do what the team needed, and I am glad I was able to deliver today.”
The last wicket partnership of 63 by Dane Piedt (38 not out) and Nandre Burger (23) lifted the visitors past the hundred-run mark. Both these players were selected to bowl after Ryan Rickelton and Lungi Ngidi were dropped from the first Test.
Mulder followed the pattern set by Joseph, leaving the hosts at 56 for six.
“I didn’t bowl at my best but I had a lot going for me today,” Mulder admitted in reflecting on his career-best Test bowling performance.
“I just tried to replicate what Shamar did earlier in the day by bowling a length which made it difficult for the batters to score. He’s obviously quicker than I am but the pitch also helped by style of bowling so I was able to capitalise.”
Jason Holder (33 not out) and Gudakesh Motie steadied the innings to prevent a complete collapse. However, Motie’s dismissal to Keshav Maharaj in the last over of the day intensifies the pressure on Holder. The former captain must now do his best with the tail on the second morning to minimize the first innings deficit.
